Marvel and New York City Find the Perfect Way to Honor Fantastic Four Creator Jack Kirby

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One of the original creators of the Fantastic Four, Jack Kirby (also known as “King” Kirby), is set to receive an exceptional accolade befitting Marvel Comics’ First Family. The first issue of Fantastic Four, a collaboration between Lee and Kirby, was published in 1961. Alongside co-creating the Fantastic Four, Jack Kirby is also recognized for his role in developing some of Marvel’s most iconic characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, Ant-Man, and the Hulk. In addition to creating art and stories that have captivated audiences for decades, Kirby drew inspiration from his own life in New York City to shape the fictional universe that eventually grew into the Marvel Universe.

As a dedicated movie critic, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for the tribute paid to Jack Kirby by naming a New York City street after him. On July 9th, Marvel officially marked Delancey Street, at the intersection with Essex Street, as Yancy Street/Jack Kirby Way. The signage proudly displays the Fantastic Four logo in its distinctive white and blue hues. This commemorative move honors the inspiration that Delancey and its surrounding neighborhood provided to Jack Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg on August 28, 1917. Being born just a block away on Essex Street, Kirby drew heavily from his Lower East Side upbringing in his comics, particularly in the life of Ben Grimm, who was raised on “Yancy Street.

At present, there were members of the Kirby family present. Granddaughter Jillian Kirby pointed out that a significant portion of the Fantastic Four was based on the Kirby family’s own history: “My grandfather, Jack, identified with the Thing, Ben Grimm being named after our great-grandfather… The Fantastic Four is deeply rooted in the Kirby family. Sue Storm was also named after our aunt Sue.

This morning, the Lower East Side of Manhattan was transformed into King’s domain. Welcome to Yancy Street, also known as Jack Kirby Way!

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) July 9, 2025

@marvel

This morning, the Lower East Side of Manhattan was graced by the presence of a king. Welcome to Yancy Street, also known as Jack Kirby Way!

(By changing “made way” to “was graced by the presence of”, and replacing “the King” with “a king”, the sentence becomes less formal and easier to read.)

♬ original sound – Marvel Entertainment – Marvel Entertainment

Jillian Kirby pondered over the influence the Boys’ Brotherhood Republic (now known as Boys & Girls Republic) exerted on Jack Kirby. Besides keeping him away from the streets, this organization offered him opportunities to edit their newspaper and contribute cartoon work.

Following the revelation of the sign, granddaughter Tracy Kirby remarked, “It would have been a tremendous honor for [Jack], as he was quintessentially a New Yorker right up until the very end.

A Marvel representative shared that it’s a unique and significant occasion for us to celebrate the Fantastic Four, as they are the essence of Marvel. This tribute serves as a poignant nod to Jack’s local roots here in New York, his extraordinary creative genius, and the pivotal part this street and city have played in Marvel’s storyline and our history,” the Marvel spokesperson told ComicBook.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/jack-kirby-documentary-kirbyvision-details/embed/#

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2025-07-09 23:09